ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath says Rafales have given a timely boost to IAF's capabilities
As the first batch of five Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft  Rafale jets landed in Ambala air base today, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in a series of tweets welcomed these by saying, “The Birds have entered the Indian airspace… Happy Landing in Ambala!”
Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated Indian Air Force  on professionally executed ferry and said, “I am sure that 17 Squadron, the Golden Arrows, will continue to live upto their motto of ‘UdayamAjasram’. I am extremely happy that IAF’s combat capability has got a timely boost.”
“The touch down of Rafale combat aircraft in India marks the beginning of a new era in our Military History. These multirole aircraft will revolutionise the capabilities of the IAF,” he added in another tweet.
Highlighting the capabilities of the aircraft, Shri Rajnath Singh remarked that, “This aircraft has very good flying performance and its weapons, radar and other sensors and electronic warfare capabilities are amongst the best in the world. Its arrival in India will make the IAF much stronger to deter any threat that may be posed on our country.”
Raksha Mantri thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his right decision. “The Rafale jets were purchased only because PM Shri Narendra Modi took the right decision to get these aircraft through an Inter-Governmental Agreement with France, after the long pending procurement case for them could not progress.”
He thanked the French Government, Dassault Aviation and other French companies for ensuring the timely delivery of the aircraft and its weapons, despite the severe restrictions posed by COVID pandemic.
Shri Rajnath Singh added that, “The Rafale jets were purchased when they fully met the operational requirements of the IAF. The baseless allegations against this procurement have already been answered and settled.” He added, “If it is anyone who should be worried about or critical about this new capability of the Indian Air Force, it should be those who want to threaten our territorial integrity.”
Shri Rajnath Singh shared pictures and videos of the aircraft entering Indian air space.
Earlier, Captain of the Indian Naval Ship  Kolkata welcomed Rafale Arrow Leader in the Indian Ocean by saying, “May you touch the sky with glory.” The five Rafale aircraft escorted by two SU30 MKIs as they entered Indian airspace.
Ministry of Power
NTPC Ltd. enters into foreign currency loan agreement with Japanese Government’s financial institution for JPY 50 billion under GREEN initiative
The loan proceeds to be utilized by NTPC for funding its capex for Flue Gas Desulphurization  & RE projects
In the first funding for NTPC Ltd under Japan Bank for International Co-operation ’s GREEN or Global Action for Reconciling Economic growth and Environment preservation initiative, India’s largest power producer today entered into foreign currency loan agreement with Japanese Government’s financial institution for JPY 50 billion . JBIC will provide 60% of the facility amount and the balance will be given by commercial banks , under JBIC guarantee.
The facility is extended under JBIC’s outreach for projects, which ensure conservation of global environment. The loan proceeds will be utilized by NTPC Ltd, the PSU under Ministry of Power, for funding its capex for Flue Gas Desulphurization  & Renewable Energy projects. FGD, substantially reduces the SOx emission in the flue gases of thermal power plants and is a critical step towards environmental sustainability.
The loan agreement was signed by Shri Anil Kumar Gautam, Director , NTPC and Mr. TANIMOTO Masayuki, Managing Executive Officer, Global Head of Infrastructure & Environment Finance Group, JBIC through video conferencing.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
SAI makes comprehensive training plan for Tokyo-bound para athletes and athletes at NCOEsfrom Oct 5 – Integrity of Zoning for protection against COVID to be maintained
Stepping up to the next phase of ‘Khelo India Phir Se’, the Sports Authority of India  has decided to resume sporting activities of Tokyo Olympics bound Para-athletes and athletes in SAI’s National Centre of Excellence  across the country, in a phased manner.
In the first Phase, SAI in early June had started the training for only the Olympic bound athletes at various SAI centres, since SAI infrastructure are captive infrastructure and could ensure protection of our national athletes against COVID 19. In the next phase, the resumption of sporting activities for Tokyo Olympics bound para-athletes and athletes in NCOEs  has been planned in stages for nine disciplines, including para-athletics, para-powerlifting, para shooting, para archery, cycling, hockey, weightlifting, archery, wrestling, Judo, athletics, boxing and fencing. The same too is being organised only at SAI Regional Centres with residential facilities so as the athletes are not exposed to any dangers of COVID transmission. The decision was taken after detailed deliberation and considering that athletes cannot be put to risk of COVID less than year before Tokyo 2020 .
To ensure complete safety of athletes, including following of quarantine protocols, SAI SOP and state Covid SOP, it has been decided that athletes, even those in the same discipline, will be inducted into sporting activities in batches. The first phase of sports resumption is likely to begin on October 5, 2020.
SAI has also directed the Regional Centres to maintain the bio-bubble  to ward off any possible chance of transmission of the virus among trainees at the NCOEs. It has therefore been decided that coaches, support staff who would be involved in training of athletes will also be housed in the NCOE so as to maintain the integrity of the bio-bubble for the safety of all athletes.
SAI has also decided to support athletes from sports, where SAI does not have its own captive residential infrastructure, if they train in ‘Play and Stay” kind of training facilities, if the facility administration, the coaches and athletes assume the responsibilities of taking requisite precaution against COVID-19.
Prime Minister's Office
PM urges citizens to participate in Mann ki Baat @100 quiz
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has asked people to participate in Mann ki Baat @100 quiz.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"The last few days of the #MannKiBaat Quiz are left...do take part if you already have not and relive the spectacular journey of the last 99 episodes in which inspiring collective efforts have been highlighted.
https://quiz.mygov.in/quiz/mann-ki-baat/
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approves enhanced monetary limits for procurement of Drugs and consumables for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme 
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today approved the enhancement of the monetary ceiling for purchase of Not Available , emergent, lifesavings and essential drugs by 100% in all categories of polyclinics from Authorised Local Chemists . This will ensure easy & timely availability of medicines for ECHS beneficiaries. .
There have been various representations from the veterans regarding supply of medicines. The Government has already undertaken a series of modifications to procedures of procurement of medicines for ECHS beneficiaries. In all stations with ECHS Polyclinics, local medical stores/chemists are empanelled for supply of Not Available , emergent, life-saving and essential drugs on as required basis. The empanelled local medical stores/chemists are being done by a Board of Officers constituted by the Station Commander. Any expenditure above this limit will be approved by MD, ECHS. The CO, ECHS may re-appropriate the required funds from other ECHS Polyclinics, if required.
It may be seen that the Government on 25.03.2022 had already conveyed the sanction for reimbursement of cost of medicines and consumables, purchased from open market, not Available at ECHS Polyclinic/Authorized Local Chemist for a maximum period of 30 days from earlier 15 days at a time subject to the maximum value of medicines and consumables not exceeding Rs. 25,000/- each time under the general conditions and Rs. 75,000/- each time under the special conditions except in the case of Cancer Medicines where the maximum value of medicines and consumable would be Rs.5 lakhs each time from the earlier Rs.2 lakhs each time. This will be a big move towards making essential medicines available to the Veterans.
Prime Minister's Office
President Putin speaks to PM Modi
The President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Vladimir V. Putin called Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on phone today.
President Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack. He also conveyed solidarity of the people of the Russian Federation with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.
The Prime Minister thanked President Putin for Russia’s steadfast support for India’s efforts to protect its interests against cross-border terror attacks, and renewed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism as a pillar of privileged and special strategic partnership. Both leaders agreed that the concerned should stop all support to terrorism.
Both the leaders also agreed that the growing cooperation between the two countries will take their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership from strength to strength.
President Putin reiterated the invitation to the Prime Minister to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok later this year. The Prime Minister welcomed the invitation and underscored the significance of growing economic cooperation, including in the Russian Far East, between the two countries.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Extension, of tenure of the Commission constituted under Article 340 of the constitution to examine the issue of sub-categorization within Other Backward Classes in the Central List
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the term of the Commission to examine the issue of Sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes, by six months that is up to 31.7.2020.
The Cabinet has also approved addition of following Term of Reference to the existing Terms of Reference of the "Commission" -
“iv. to study the various Entries in the "Central List of OBCs and recommend correction of any repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription."
Impact:
The Communities in the existing list of OBCs which have not been able to get any major benefit of the scheme of reservation for OBCs for appointment in Central Government posts & for admission in Central Government Educational Institutions are expected to be benefitted upon implementation of the recommendations of the Commission. The Commission is likely to make recommendations for benefit of such marginalized communities in the Central List of OBCs.
Financial Implications:
The expenditure involved are related to the establishment and administration costs of the Commission, which would continue to be borne by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Benefits:
All persons belonging to the castes/communities which are included in the Central List of SEBCs but which have not been able to get any major benefit of the existing scheme of reservation for OBCs in Central Government posts & for admission in Central Government Educational Institutions would be benefitted.
Implementation strategy and targets:
Orders for extension of the term of the Commission and addition in its Terms of Reference will be notified in the Gazette 'in the form of an Order made by the President, after receipt of the approval of the Hon'ble President to the same.
Background:
The Commission was constituted under article 340 of the Constitution with the approval of President on 2nd October, 2017. The Commission, headed by Justice  Smt. G. Rohini commenced functioning on 11th October, 2017 and has since interacted with all the Stats/UTs which have subcategorized OBCs, and the State Backward Classes Commissions. The Commission has come to the view that it would require some more time to submit, its report since the repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription etc appearing in the existing Central List of OBCs need to be cleared. Hence the Commission has sought extension of its term by six, that is upto 31st July 2020 and also addition in its existing Terms of Reference.
Ministry of Defence
Intellectual Property Rights in Defence
In 2018, Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production has launched a programme ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti ’ to promote self-reliance and have an enabling framework for creation of Intellectual Property  and management of Intellectual Property Rights  in Indian Defence sector. Since the launch of programme MRGS, a total of 1084 IP applications have been filed by the personnel of Defence Public Sector Undertakings /Ordnance Factories . A major IPR Awareness Program has been launched and a total of 17938 personnel have been trained till 31 December, 2019. A nodal Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell  has been set up under Directorate General of Quality Assurance to create awareness about IPRs. A comprehensive policy on creation of IP and Management of IPRs in DPSUs and OFs has been promulgated in November, 2019. Innovative research in DPSUs and Ordnance Factories has enabled the development of certain materials,components/assemblies/sub-assemblies that result in performance upgradation of existing systems/platforms and simultaneously reducing India’s dependence on imports. Some of the challenges faced in attracting private and public sector entities for IPRs is the risk of leakage of classified information regarding defence technology due to mandatory disclosures associated with IPR filing and for combating IPR infringement.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Rajeshbhai Chudasama in Lok Sabha today.
ABB/SS/Nampi/Savvy
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Prime Minister's Office
Auctioning of PM’s mementoes concludes; tremendous response received from the people; amount received from the auction to be used to support the noble cause of Namami Gange.
The fortnight long process of auctioning of mementoes received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his term so far in office, came to a close on Saturday evening.
The process of auctioning received a tremendous response from the people of India. The process consisted of two parts – a physical auction organized at the National Gallery of Modern Art for two days, and an e-auction through the website pmmementos.gov.in
Over 1800 mementoes were successfully auctioned to the highest bidder during this period.
The proceeds from this auction will go towards supporting the noble cause of Namami Gange.
Some highlights of the auction
During the auction organized at NGMA, a specially handcrafted wooden bike, received a successful bid of Rs. 5 lakhs. A similar bid was also received for a unique painting, which depicts Prime Minister Modi on a railway platform – a uniquely artistic interpretation of Narendra Modi’s special bond with the railways.
Some spectacular bids were received during the e-auction as well.
- A statuette of Lord Shiva, which had a base price of Rs. 5000/-, was auctioned for Rs. 10 lakh, which is 200 times the base price.
- A wooden replica of the Ashok Stambh, which had a base price of Rs. 4000/- was auctioned for Rs. 13 lakh.
- A traditional “Horai”, received from Majuli, Assam, , which had a base price of Rs. 2000/- was auctioned for Rs. 12 lakh.
- A memento entitled “Divinity” received from SGPC, Amritsar, which had a base price of Rs. 10,000/- was auctioned for Rs. 10.1 lakh.
- A statuette of Gautam Buddha, which had a base price of Rs. 4000/- was auctioned for Rs. 7 lakh.
- A traditional brass statue of a lion, received from Shri Sushil Koirala, former Prime Minister of Nepal, was auctioned for Rs. 5.20 lakh.
- A silver vase  with embossing, with a base price of Rs. 10,000/- was auctioned for Rs. 6 lakhs.
Many other mementoes fetched an auction value that is several times their base price.
Prime Minister Modi, even as Chief Minister of Gujarat, used to auction mementoes received by him, so that the proceeds could go for the education of girl children. Continuing the same practice, he has now enabled the collection of funds which will help clean up the Holy River Ganga.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launches Sagar Setu Mobile App of National Logistics Portal Marine
This app would help custodians in improved accessibility as mobile app allows easier access: Shri Sonowal
SAGAR SETU App to enable real time monitoring, approvals and transactions
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal today launched the App Version of National Logistics Portal  ‘Sagar-Setu’ in the presence of Shri Shripad Y. Naik, MoS, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways  Shri Sudhansh Pant, Secretary and other senior officials.
The app has been envisaged with deliverables covering features like Login Module, Service Catalogue, Common Application Format, Letter of Credit, Bank Guarantee, Certification, and Track & Trace etc. It will provide real-time information of activities that are generally not in reach of the importer, exporter, and customs broker including vessel-related information, gate, container freight stations and transactions on fingertips. It also enables digital transactions for payments required for the clearance process of import and export like container freight station charges, shipping line charges, transportation charges, etc.
While launching this app Shri Sonowal mentioned, ‘the SAGAR-SETU app of the National Logistics Portal  would help custodians in easier access to functionalities on a handheld device. Mobile App will ensure data mobility such that approvals & monitoring shall be at the finger tips of port & ministry officials and stakeholders as well’.
Benefits for Traders
• Improve convenience with reduced turnaround time for approval and compliances.
• Increase visibility of operations and tracking.
Benefits for Service Providers
• Help in tracking of records and transactions offered
• Receive notification of service requests.
It is pertinent to add that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping Waterways and Ministry of Commerce & Industry envisaged this one-stop digital platform National Logistic Portal Marine in the month of January 2023. Within a span of two months SAGAR-SETU app has been launched which will boost maritime trade thereby enhancing the economy of the country.
MJPS
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Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath
Union Minister Hardeep S Puri leads cleanliness drive at Copernicus Marg in Delhi
Following Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s appeal for a nationwide cleanliness drive on October 1, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum and Natural Gas, participated in the ‘Shramdaan for Cleanliness’ programme as part of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign here today. The minister led the cleanliness drive at Princess Park on Copernicus Marg, New Delhi. Sanitation workers, students, residents of the area along with senior officials from Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs joined the drive.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, the Minister said, “inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s call for Swachhata Hi Seva, joined residents of the temporary settlement at Princess Park on Copernicus Marg for one hour of Shramdaan for a Garbage Free India.”
Earlier this month, during the 105th episode of Mann ki Baat, PM Shri Narendra Modi had requested that all citizens participate in “one hour of shramdaan for swachhata” on October 1, referring to it as a tribute  to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his birth anniversary.
Glimpses of Cleanliness Drive at Copernicus Marg, New Delhi:
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to accident in Palakkad, Kerala
Announces ex-gratia from PMNRF
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to an accident in Kerala’s Palakkad district. The Prime Minister announced ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF to be given to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to be given to the injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted;
“PM Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the loss of lives due to an accident in Kerala’s Palakkad district. He extends condolences to the bereaved families and prays for a quick recovery of the injured.”
“Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
‘Gift a Skill’ – An Appeal by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
In an effort towards women empowerment, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has appealed to the nation to ‘Gift a Skill’ to sisters on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, emphasizing the importance of women’s contribution in the economic growth of our country, appealed the following in a video released on his social media account
“On auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, I wish that the bonds of love and trust bind us all eternally. Raksha Bandhan is not a mere ritual but a sacred promise of protecting a sister, and shielding her from the uncertainties of life. With changing times, our understanding of what it means to “protect” a sister should also be re-imagined. To protect a sister is to equip her to become economically self-reliant, to unshackle her from a cycle of dependency that is often her biological destiny, to gift her a skill that will see her through life’s challenges. Though women have always been contributing to the economy, their labour for the large part, not entered economic calculations. Hence, her work remains invisible and her status diminished. It is high time we change this narrative—because in her success lies the success of the nation.
I come to you today with an appeal. Gift a skill to your sister this year instead of gifting her material things, which though high on emotive value, does little to empower her well-being. Pay her fees for enrolment in a skills’ programme. Take her to a skill-counseling centre. Today, there are many avenues in both the private and government sectors—encourage her to explore these and discover her passion ensuring that she leads a life of dignity. Embark on a mission of responsibility today that this should hold true not only for the sisters in your family but also for that sister who is your domestic help, who is your driver’s wife, who sells you vegetables, her daughters, who may not be as privileged as us. Give them the gift of knowledge, of hope, of possibilities.
The New India, as envisioned by Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, places women in the centre of our quest for economic growth. Let us join hands to build a skilled, capable and self-reliant workforce that keeps our sisters at the forefront. This Raksha Bandhan do gift a skill and protect your sister for life.”
Link: https://twitter.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1032911714617053184
People can post their initiatives towards this appeal and comments using hashtag #GiftASkill. It is another addition to the series of steps taken by the Government to empower women, enhance their participation in the workforce and equip our youth with necessary skills.
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